Joanne Gordon passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side after a short battle with cancer. Daughter of Howard M. and Julia A. (Schwartz) McGrath. Beloved wife of the late F. Dale Gordon. Loving mother of David D. Gordon (Kirk Rader), and Thomas J. Gordon. Fond sister of the late Marilyn J. (Jack) Givler, Jeanne L. (Richard) Allen, Howard M. (Pat) McGrath, Jane V. McGrath, James C. (Dorothy) McGrath and Shirley J. (Joseph) Schille. Cousin to many Drendels and “Auntie Jo” to many nieces and nephews.
Joanne was a vibrant lover of music, theater, fashion, roses and raised wearing the color pink to an art. She grew up in Naperville, IL and studied at Northwestern & Loyola Universities in Chicago and North Central College in Naperville. Known for her integrity, intelligence and artistry, Joanne spent her formative years working in and around Chicago at McFarland Aveyard ad agency, Northwestern Hospital and World Book Encyclopedia while making theater costumes after hours for productions at St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University).
In the early 50’s Joanne ventured West and settled in Reno, NV. There she was an Executive Secretary at Grey Reid’s department store where she met her future husband, Dale. They were married January 25, 1964. Joanne also worked at Nevada National Bank and Washoe County Community Education.
She loved visiting family back in Naperville & making Christmas goodies and afghans for close family and friends. She shared her love for the arts with her husband and always supported her sons’ musical and professional endeavors. Joanne was also fond of puzzles, Yahtzee and Bunco.
Joanne requested that there be no memorial gathering. She will be interred at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Naperville, IL beside Dale and among many other close family members.
Joanne was a vibrant lover of music, theater, fashion, roses and raised wearing the color pink to an art. She grew up in Naperville, IL and studied at Northwestern & Loyola Universities in Chicago and North Central College in Naperville. Known for her integrity, intelligence and artistry, Joanne spent her formative years working in and around Chicago at McFarland Aveyard ad agency, Northwestern Hospital and World Book Encyclopedia while making theater costumes after hours for productions at St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University).
In the early 50’s Joanne ventured West and settled in Reno, NV. There she was an Executive Secretary at Grey Reid’s department store where she met her future husband, Dale. They were married January 25, 1964. Joanne also worked at Nevada National Bank and Washoe County Community Education.
She loved visiting family back in Naperville & making Christmas goodies and afghans for close family and friends. She shared her love for the arts with her husband and always supported her sons’ musical and professional endeavors. Joanne was also fond of puzzles, Yahtzee and Bunco.
Joanne requested that there be no memorial gathering. She will be interred at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Naperville, IL beside Dale and among many other close family members.
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